Twelve questions, answered before you book.
Implants are a more complex process than most dental treatment, and they raise more questions. Here are the ones patients actually ask, including the two about pain and money.
Before You Book
Know what to expect with treatment.
Implants are the most complete answer to tooth loss there is: a permanent replacement that restores function and appearance rather than approximating them. They are also a more involved process than any other restorative treatment, and they need more planning.
Which means more questions — about the process, about what happens afterwards, and about what it costs. Read these first. Anything still unanswered is a better use of the consultation than a question this page could have handled.
The Basics
What an implant is, and whether it works.
What is a dental implant?
Three parts: a titanium or ceramic post, an abutment, and a restoration. The post is built to function as a tooth root does — providing bone support and a stable foundation — and what sits on top of it can be a single crown, a bridge, a denture or a full-arch prosthesis.
Why are implants called the gold standard?
They are the only permanent tooth replacement option, and they are designed to last decades. Because the post is surgically placed into the jawbone, the health and functional benefits are comparable to a natural tooth — which is not true of anything that rests on the gum.
What is the success rate?
Consistently over 95% since implants were introduced decades ago. That figure is not automatic: it comes from the combination of surgical technology, high-quality materials, clinical experience and long-term maintenance. The last one is yours to supply.
Am I a candidate?
Many patients already are, and many of the rest qualify after preparatory treatment such as bone grafting or extractions. It is not something to guess at from a web page — candidacy is determined accurately only after a comprehensive consultation and evaluation.
The Procedure
The surgery, the pain, and the recovery.
What is implant surgery like?
Modern placement is efficient and precise. Often the whole procedure is completed in a few hours using patient-fitted surgical guides, planned from the scan beforehand. How long yours takes depends on several factors, but you will be comfortable regardless of the answer.
Will it be painful?
The surgery is completed while you are under sedation. You will feel no pain, and you may sleep lightly through it — most patients have no memory of the appointment or the procedure at all. Sedation options
What is recovery like?
It is surgery, so rest for a few days afterwards. Patients generally report minor discomfort that over-the-counter medication handles, and most return to normal activity after about a week. A soft food diet is required for the next several months while the implants integrate with the jawbone — that part is not optional, and it is the one people underestimate.
How long does the whole process take?
Anywhere from a few months to over a year. Implants can often be placed soon after the consultation and plan are finished. If you need bone grafting first that is a separate procedure with several months of healing before surgery. After placement, integration takes three or more months before the final restoration can be permanently attached — and in many cases you wear a temporary in the meantime rather than going without.
Afterwards
Living with them.
How do I care for dental implants?
Like natural teeth, with no special maintenance. Brush twice a day and floss once. Depending on the restoration you may need a water flosser to be sure debris is cleared from underneath it.
Do I still need check-ups?
Yes, and this is the answer people are most often surprised by. Implant restorations cannot decay, but they can still develop peri-implantitis — an infection of the gums around the implant, caused by plaque and tartar buildup exactly as gum disease is. Keep the hygiene routine and keep the six-month visits.
How long will they last?
They are designed to last decades and have the potential to last the rest of your life. Surgical technology, clinical experience and your own habits all affect it. An experienced implant team places them more precisely, and precision at placement is what most determines the outcome fifteen years later.
How much does treatment cost?
It depends on how many teeth are missing and for how long, the materials used, and what additional procedures are needed first. Nobody can give you a real number before an evaluation. The practice will help you apply for dental financing and will file insurance claims on your behalf. Cost and financing
Where to go next.
Have additional questions?
Request a consultation and ask the ones this page did not answer. Second opinions are free.
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